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Gregg Popovich is out after suffering a stroke, but the Spurs are trying to cope with his absence

by November 13, 2024

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First get well soon, Pop.

We can’t wait to see you back on the sidelines doing what you enjoy and doing what we love to watch: coaching the San Antonio Spurs.

Gregg Popovich suffered a mild stroke before the Spurs’ game against Minnesota on Nov. 2, the team said in a news release Wednesday.

The team said Popovich “has already begun a rehabilitation program (and) is expected to make a full recovery.” At this time, no timetable has been determined for his return to the sidelines.”

Take your time, Pop. We would like to see you again, but only if the doctors allow it and if you are ready.

The Spurs, the NBA and the game will be there when you’re ready to return. Heck, there’ll even be a sideline reporter who relishes the opportunity to ask you a question before the field between quarters.

There are likely only a handful of organizations capable of handling the absence of a Hall of Fame coach, and the Spurs are one of them because of their investment in franchise continuity and stability from the top.

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The Holt family has been the majority owner of the team for almost three decades. Spurs Sports and Entertainment CEO RC Buford joined the franchise in 1988, left in 1992 and returned in 1994. Since then he has worked there in various front office positions. That’s 34 years.

Buford and Popovich, now in his 29th season as a head coach and the winningest NBA coach of all time, have created a model that other franchises are trying to emulate.

Assistant coach Brett Brown, who first joined the Spurs in 1998 and is now in his second tenure and 15th season, has been part of four championship teams. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson, who is serving as acting coach in Popovich’s absence, is in his ninth season with San Antonio. General manager Brian Wright is also in his ninth season. Dave Telep is in his 12th season with San Antonio and currently serves as vice president of basketball operations. And director of college scouting George Felton has been with the Spurs since 2006.

It goes on. Head coach Will Sevening was hired in 1998 and team physician David R. Schmidt has been with the Spurs for 32 seasons.

They would have even more long-time basketball employees, but the Spurs do such a good job that their employees are hired by other teams.

That’s not to say the Spurs won’t miss Pop in his absence – they will in many ways, including his famous team meals – but the engine will run with minimal problems.

The Spurs have a plan for the team and for individual players, and the staff that has been with Popovich for so long will be able to execute those plans. It won’t be the same as hearing it from Popovich, but the players, including sophomore Victor Wembanyama, know the messages come from Popovich.

And it’s a solid guess that Popovich will be watching and probably even sending messages to players and coaches.

So get well soon, Pop. We look forward to your return, but we will do it patiently.

Follow Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

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